Top 5 Things to Know When Buying a Home

You know in your heart that now is the time to buy a luxury home or condominium in South Florida. But are you ready? In order to have the most satisfying experience, prospective homeowners must be both financially and mentally prepared for the responsibilities that come with it. Jean-Luc Andriot is here to provide you with a positive and supporting buying experience that will leave you with the home of your dreams.

 1. Select the right REALTOR

 No matter whom you choose as your “buyer’s agent,” it is important to  be honest with them, and to be sure that that person will return the  honesty. Jean-Luc Andriot is a member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing’s Million Dollar Guild, and is therefore a designated expert in  selling luxury properties. He is recognized for his outstanding  performance in luxury home sales and his clients think he’s a star too!  He and his team are known for their ability to listen astutely to each  client, always keeping individual needs in mind throughout the process. 

 2. Get a good lawyer

We can recommend several lawyers in the area who might be a good fit for you. Interview them to ensure that you get someone you can work with. The legalities of transferring land ownership can be dodgy, and a lawyer can be your best defense against future legal troubles. A good lawyer can charge several hundred to over a thousand dollars for their services, but the thousands of dollars saved in legal fees later on makes this a good expense.

3. Know your debt-to-income ratio

This is something that lenders take very seriously. They calculate how much of your income will go toward debt payments including mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and minimum credit card payments. Though not set in stone, your overall debt should not be more than 40% of your income, and your housing debt should not be more than 32%. You should plan to spend less money than you can actually afford. Keep in mind the unexpected maintenance costs you may face as a homeowner – a leaky roof, for instance, or a failed water heater. Give yourself adequate breathing room when it comes to your finances.

4. Get the home properly inspected

“From what I’ve seen, the primary concern of buyers is worrying about problems they haven’t seen that could cost them money down the road,” Jean-Luc Andriot says. In order to ease their concerns, buyers will therefore cover the cost of the inspection and the payment for the repairs is something that may end up negotiated in the home sale contract. See our tips for getting the most out of a home inspection specifically in South Florida.

5. Make a smart offer

Buying a home can be a chaotic process with sometimes hundreds of papers to sign, dozens of homes to see, and the ability to make mistakes if the process is not handled properly. Jean-Luc and his team will help you navigate through this maze by showing you homes that are fine-tuned to suit your needs, preparing the right paperwork for each situation, and making recommendations tailored to your needs and desires. 

Click here for Jean-Luc's tips on how to sell your luxury home or condominium. 

If you’re looking to own or sell your luxury home, rely on the experience of Jean-Luc Andriot and his team of professional realtors at Keller Williams. Call Jean-Luc today at 561-213-9008. He and his staff specialize in luxury properties, including luxury condominiums in Boca Raton, Highland Beach, Delray Beach, Gulfstream, Ocean Ridge and more.